Careers in Psychology: Apply It

Lumen Learning

Careers in Psychology: Apply It

Identify common subfields within psychology
Describe the value of studying psychology
Describe careers in psychology

There are many ways a degree in psychology can support overall academic and career goals. Here is an activity designed to get you acquainted with careers in psychology.

Visit the American Psychological Association (APA) website to learn more about careers in psychology and explore the resources and information on careers in psychology at different educational levels.
Visit job websites such as O*Net and Indeed. Use the search function on these websites to find a job in psychology that interests you. Spend some time researching the chosen job by reading through job descriptions and requirements. Answer the following questions based on your research:
1. What is the job?
2. What are the main responsibilities of the job?
3. What aspects of the job sound most appealing to you?
4. What schooling or certifications does the job require?
5. How much does the job typically pay?

Let’s look at an example.

What is the job?

The job is a high school counselor.
What are the main responsibilities on the job?

The job requires testing students, interpreting the results, and collaborating with teachers and parents to help students thrive in school. It consists of maintaining records and designing psychological or educational treatment procedures or programs.
What aspects of the job sound most appealing to you?

I like the idea of working with students and getting to administer and interpret psychological tests.
What schooling or certifications does the job require?

This requires a master’s degree in school counseling.
How much does it pay?

The median salary in 2024 was $86,930.

Reflect on your findings and consider how this information aligns with your interests, skills, and career goals.

Are you interested in a career in psychology? Learn more about careers with bachelors, master’s, or doctoral degrees in psychology.